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Custom Vehicle Discussions => 1999 FXR2/1999 FXR3/2000 FXR4 => Topic started by: 110tHunDer on January 18, 2010, 11:24:37 PM
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Everyone says the FXR is the best-handling Harley ever. Well, not mine! After riding around on Bitubos on the SEEG and Progressives on the SERG, I thought the stock Fox shocks on the FXR3 left a lot to be desired.
So, after contemplating Bitubos and Works for awhile, I started looking a little more closely at the Suspension Technologies shocks that "hd-dude" (Jim) offers (see the Vendor Discount section). While they do not show an FXR fitment on their website, Jim advised me that the owner of ST actually has an FXR himself and did a bunch of testing with valving and spring combinations for FXR applications and that they are available.
After finding that out, I placed an order with Jim and within about 2 or 3 weeks, I had a set of custom-made, 12" ST shocks for my FXR3. These shocks are very similar in design to the Fox shocks, which was a big plus for me. Living in good ol' central Illinois, I won't know for a few months how they feel and will have to report back on that later, but they have a look and feel of high-quality with a chrome finish that is spectacular. Many thanks to Jim for his help!
First, a few photos of the stock Fox shocks for comparison ...
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And then the Suspension Technologies shocks from the same angles ...
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Also installed a Custom Cycle Engineering fork brace which is another impressive looking bit of chrome. Hopefully, these mods help turn my FXR3 into the better riding, better handling hot rod I know it can be! ;D
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Your shocks look they are on upside down according to the data sheet that came with mine. Makes sense to have less unsprung weight though.
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Good eye! I looked at that for awhile and compared them to the stock shocks that were also mounted with the preload adjusting ring on the top and the exposed piston on the bottom and decided to mount the ST shocks the same way. I don't think it should make any difference, but if the first test ride says otherwise, it's an easy enough swap.
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Not sure if it makes a difference, but might. The oil is now sitting in the opposite end of the shock, not sure how the shocks are valved, but you compression is now the rebound and visa versa.
Craig
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May send them an e-mail on that then just to see what the response is. Glad I posted photos and thanks for the comments.
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they look GREAT, and I like that front fork brace too !!
did you send them and email about which way they are to be mounted ?
and the answer is ?
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Hey, Mikey! Thanks! hd-dude saw my post and said to flip 'em around, so that's what I'll do some day before riding season. :2vrolijk_21:
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Hey, Mikey! Thanks! hd-dude saw my post and said to flip 'em around, so that's what I'll do some day before riding season. :2vrolijk_21:
Hey Back !!
that's so weird, cause like you said, the stock ones are mounted just like you mounted those.
I wonder if the stock shocks are just valved differently, so they mount with the adjuster at the top ......
did you contact the supplier about the proper mounting for them ?
Thanks !!
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Just change one side Brian. That way you know for sure one of them will be right and it'll help you ride in a circle better.
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Don, do I want to go in circles to the right, or circles to the left? How do I know which shock to change? :nixweiss:
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Don, do I want to go in circles to the right, or circles to the left? How do I know which shock to change? :nixweiss:
Crap, hadn't thought about that. I know, rig a mount so that one is on the longitudinal axis and keep one on the vertical. Than you can do loops!